What Is an SSN? Facts to Know About Social Security Numbers
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/qwTwu7HncEPmHMxLMfxw1AoV_6Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SSN.aspfinal-303ba6ac00e54620a0fb59c3f0a608ef.jpg)
A Social Security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits.
![](https://fastercapital.com/i/Social-Security-Administration--Understanding-the-Importance-of-Your-SSN--What-is-a-Social-Security-Number---SSN--.webp)
Social Security Administration: Understanding the Importance of Your SSN - FasterCapital
![](https://www.choicescreening.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-images/Why-Social-Security-Number-is-important-in-background-screening.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=Why-Social-Security-Number-is-important-in-background-screening.jpg)
Why Social Security Number is Important in Background Screening
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/0htAFNXLza5mnqYtBkrJYzgqWr8=/400x250/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/USSSCard-ed3cb5248ef842ee89c9ae1bb60e4fbd.jpg)
Does Canada Have Social Security Numbers?
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/nC3Bzb0jwnDDEDzXIdyyVzffftc=/400x250/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1502896521-b8b39ecca0fb4b9eae411659cefef514.jpg)
The Purpose of Having a Social Security Number
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/6bj3xgxxnl0k/382EKO977sE5b82fx6aOur/87f8a552466b29167d9fdcda55a89a0d/AdobeStock_483829409_Preview_1__1_.png?fm=webp)
Why a Social Security Number (SSN) is so important
![](https://i.visual.ly/images/social-security-number-use-in-schools_527baa2edc199.gif)
Social Security Number Use in Schools
![](https://www.simplywise.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shutterstock_1518677039.jpeg)
How are Social Security Numbers Formulated? - SimplyWise
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/YkaNLTKeJQq7ZoQmVcTl_44ay1E=/400x250/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/isin.asp-final-e967e95b23464076b1be5b2bd1f76e34.png)
Valoren Number: What it Means, How it Works
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/GeOaayLEH2Y56RQ0UgUlDd16IxA=/400x250/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_253136563-5bfc2b70c9e77c00517fcd96.jpg)
What Is Personally Identifiable Information (PII)? Types and Examples
![](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3e/Verify-a-Social-Security-Number-Step-2.jpg/v4-460px-Verify-a-Social-Security-Number-Step-2.jpg.webp)
How to Verify a Social Security Number: 4 Easy Ways